Mindful Dachshund

Gobblization

gob·bl·i·za·tion noun \ˌgä-bə-lə-ˈzā-shən\: the act or process of gobblizing : the state of being gobblized; especially : the development of an increasingly integrated greedy global economy marked especially by greedy free trade of foods that are eaten greedily to assist greedy corporations generate insanely greedy profits.

Mom's Favorite Crackers: Tootsie Never Eats These

Common Swiss-Italian Doggy Signage

But the dog pictured is not a kind we ever see in Switzerland! What kind of doggy do you think it is? Doberman? Boxer? The ears looked clipped, which is odd because it is illegal to dock ears or tails in Switzerland. This doesn't even look like a prototype dog to us.

And why isn't it a dachshund? We are the standard bearers of doggy prototypes! And this is obviously a male doggy. As a strong dachshund feminist, I'd like to see more inclusive doggy signage.

Let's Be Franc

Swisscom is the only Swiss company whose stock did not plummet last Thursday after the Swiss National Bank unpegged the Swiss franc from the Euro. I guess it's because they have phone booths.

Gowilla

Dachshund Philosophy

What Day is Tootsie's Day?

About two months ago, Mom and I started a project called Tootsie Tuesdays. For example, on Tuesdays, I might share my dog philosophy, things about a healthy lowdown lifestyle and how I went from a fat little dog to a fit little dog, and what helps me live with heart.

But we noticed that there is not a lot of traffic on the blog on Tuesdays. (Dachshund Daddy notices such things in terms of data; we noticed that there weren't that many comments.) My question: Is Tuesday my day? Should I find another day?

It's possible that our Tootsie Tuesdays project is Mom's "darling." In writing, one is told to kill your darlings to edit things you think are sweet and special, which may actually be dorky or meaningful to you only. (Mom says if you edit out a darling, and you are really sad about that edit, print it, and frame it on the wall.)

Every conversation about darlings should include licks.

Ideas:

Tootsie Thursdays? Doesn't sound as spiffy.

Tootsie Saturday? I'm usually hiking.

Tootsie Friday? Sounds... kind of like a downer.

What do you think? Dachshund Daddy says we should switch it up. Mom thinks we should keep going.

Advice Needed, Please: Shall we keep going with Tootsie Tuesdays?

Thanks for all your thoughts!

Love,
Tootsie

Doggy Fence Giveaway Winner!

Thank you, all, for your comments following last Monday's guest post on electric doggy fences. We really appreciate your thoughts. The guest post came from folks over at Dog Fence DIY, and they offered a $50.00 Amazon gift card giveaway to our readers.

Many thanks to Dog Fence DIY for your generosity!

You can check out more about what they offer at Dog Fence DIY.

As longtime readers know, we have a scientific method of choosing giveaway winners. We put all your names on pieces of paper, put the paper in a hat, and Mom picks a winner under my supervision.

Again, we want to thank you. We thought the comment thread was excellent, and we really appreciate your insights.

The entrants -- highlighted with links to your blogs:

Emma at MyGBGVLife

Life with Dogs & Cats

Talent Hounds

Amber DaWeenie

The Swiss Cats

Waggy tails, please.

The winner: Life with Dogs & Cats! Congratulations, Susan C. Willet! Your information has been forwarded via email to our contact at Dog Fence DIY, and you will need to confirm.

Because I'm a generous dachshund, we decided to add our own runner-up giveaway.

The runner-up: Amber DaWeenie!
Because you won our wotten-waven Swiss calendar (we are so thrilled you love it!), we have your snail mail address! A magnet from Tootsie's Shoppe at my Zazzle store is on its way to you.

Thank you, All!

Love,
Tootsie

Il Giorno della Befana

This flying grandma is the Swiss version of La Befana, the Italian witch who brings sweets or coal to kids on the sixth of January.

Mom never knew about La Befana before she spent her first Christmas holiday in Italy. That was back before I found my forever home with Mom and Dachshund Daddy.

Maybe all those years ago, when Mom first met La Befana, the ancient creature heard Mom's prayer to find a little dog who would travel back and forth between America and Switzerland. Me!

And here I am reading my favorite book because it's the season to cuddle up and read!

Happy day of the Befana!

Three Benefits of an Electric Dog Fence

Today we feature a guest post from our friends over at www.dogfencediy.com!
Read on to find out how YOU can win a $50 Amazon gift card!

We always do whatever we can to take care of our dogs. Love, attention, good food, plenty of exercise, and regular trips to the vet are just some of the things we give them to keep them safe and healthy. We also know how important it is to foster our dogs’ natural desires to roam and explore. If you’re fortunate enough to have a yard that your dog can play in, you make sure they’re kept within the boundaries of your property, far from danger.

These paws are made for walking.

Traditional fences and electric fences can both serve to enclose your property for the safety of your dog. Many people prefer traditional fences. However, there are many instances in which an electric dog fence can be advantageous. Here are some of the potential benefits of an electronic dog fence that you might want to consider.

Great for Stubborn Dogs
Some dogs are driven to escape. Dogs who like to dig, for example, will claw at the earth under a traditional fence until they’ve created their own escape route. Hunting dogs will jump over or tear through traditional fences because their instincts to chase animals on the other side are so strong. Very aggressive dogs of all breeds will also do whatever they can to break the confines of their yard when their adrenaline is rushing. An electric dog fence can better contain these types of dogs. An e-collar emits a mild static shock that deters the dog from getting close to the boundaries of the yard - preventing them from going under, over, or through the wired fence.

Versatile for Unique Yards
An underground dog fence is incredibly versatile. Traditional fences are most easily installed on leveled ground with straight lines and right angles, and it takes a significant amount of preparation to install a traditional fence in an atypical yard. Electric dog fences, on the other hand, can be easily laid across any size, shape, or type of land. Circular and asymmetrical yards, as well as yards of multiple acres, are easily enclosed with a wireless dog fence. If your property has a unique location with a beautiful view, such as of a golf course or lake, an electronic dog fence might also be a better choice. Traditional fences can obscure views and drastically change the appearance of your property. Electric fences preserve your home’s landscaping and design.

Accommodating of All Budgets
Traditional fences can cost thousands of dollars to purchase and install. If you have a modest budget, an invisible fence is a more affordable choice. Anyone can install their own electric dog fence, and it can cost as little as $300 total. Over time, electric fences also cost less in maintenance. Traditional fences are exposed to the elements and prone to damage and wear over time. Electric fences cost less to repair and do not need to be repaired nearly as often.
Please share your experiences with dog containment systems in the comments section; anyone who leaves a comment that specifically mentions their experience with dog containment systems will be entered in a drawing of a $50 Amazon gift card!
Fur disclosure: This post is published in partnership with our doggy fence friends over at www.dogfencediy.com.